Cars are one of the greatest inventions in human history. No other invention has enabled more individuals to travel in great distances at their own leisure, whether it be commuting to work, completing that road trip of Route 66, or ferrying the children to and from school.
But since most cars are a depreciating asset, albeit an extremely important one, and since we all love getting a great deal on anything we purchase, today we are going to be looking at how to buy great cars for good prices in Texas, or anywhere else in the US for that matter. So let’s begin!
The secret trick is auctions
Public car auctions offers you a lot of flexibility, the ability to gauge the market directly, and an ever changing set of cars up for sale. But best of all, car auctions are where you can find some really great deals and set yourself up for success!
Before visiting your first public car auction in Texas, you should review the basics to make sure you understand all the risks, and know how to properly assess any given car in terms of an auction standpoint. These car auctions are very popular with dealers, wholesalers and other industry professionals, who all know that these places are ripe for finding great deals and rare vehicles.
At the same time, no matter what your budget is, there’s bound to be options for you in your price range. Some auction houses combine all the available cars into one giant auction, while sometimes you might see them focus on small city cars one week, and the next week have 4×4 trucks for sale. So be sure you check out for any special events or restrictions before you drive to the auction. You wouldn’t want to drive all that way for nothing, right?

Car auctions for newcomers
If you are new to the world of car auctions you need not worry. Everyone was new at one point, and luckily there is nothing complicated about auctions at all, you just need to keep in mind the commission fee, and make sure to inspect the car as you would if you bought it privately or at a dealership.
The first thing you need to do is find a suitable public car auction. For Texas in particular, there are many different locations you can visit, from Dallas to San Antonio, and Elm Mott to Carrollton. The location can have some influence on the types of cars available, as well as the price ranges, so keep that in mind. Over time you will develop your own taste of locations. Some people might prefer paying a little more to buy at a convenient auction, while others won’t mind driving a few hours to reach a better deal on the car.
Best tips for car auctions
- Bring a friend or mechanic that can help you discover any potential problems.
- Study the price ranges and the Bluebook beforehand to know how much the cars are worth.
- Be patient. There will always be more cars up for sale in the future.
- Set a fixed price, but be flexible if the right car comes along.
- Always go for a test drive if possible to spot any issues.
- See how eager the others are to gauge possible interest for reselling purposes.